A MAJOR expansion of shark-spotting drones across the NSW coastline has been welcomed by local surf organisations, with the State Government announcing a $120 million investment aimed at improving safety for swimmers, surfers and other beach users.
The government will invest an additional $34 million to significantly increase drone surveillance, making it the largest expansion of aerial shark monitoring in the world.
The enhanced program will see around 70 beaches monitored year-round, with at least one beach in every coastal local government area receiving 365-day drone coverage.
Additional monitoring by Surf Life Saving NSW will focus on beaches with high numbers of swimmers, surfers and paddlers, particularly along the North Coast where shark incidents have become more frequent.
Nambucca Heads Surf Life Saving Club has already embraced drone technology, investing in two shark-spotting drones during the past season while training a number of members to operate them.
The drones are used not only for shark surveillance but also to assist with search and rescue operations.
The club said the investment would improve understanding of local shark populations and behaviour while also allowing operators to monitor surf conditions and other marine wildlife.
Regional operations will also be expanded to include drone flights every weekend throughout the year, daily patrols from 1 December to 30 April, extended operating hours from dawn until dusk, and continued school holiday coverage.
Importantly, surveillance will also extend to popular unpatrolled beaches, providing broader coverage for coastal users.
The program will continue to be led by Surf Life Saving NSW and will incorporate new artificial intelligence technology to improve shark detection, with trials of at least two AI systems planned over summer.
The government also intends to work with Surf Life Saving NSW and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to introduce more autonomous drone operations in the future.
Nambucca Heads SLSC representatives believe the technology adds another important layer of safety for local beachgoers.
The club said there has not been a significant observable increase in shark activity in the local area.
Members noted the shark listening beacon located off Nambucca Heads Main Beach already provides valuable information on tagged shark movements and encouraged the public to monitor activity through the Dorsal Watch website.
They said drones complement that system by enabling operators to detect untagged sharks and other marine life.
The club also stressed that while drones are an important safety tool, they are still limited by weather conditions.
Members continue to encourage people to swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags, where conditions are constantly monitored by lifesavers.
They also reminded beachgoers to avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, after heavy rainfall when the water is murky, or near baitfish and fishing activity, as these measures all help reduce the risk of shark interactions.
The club also noted that shark trauma kits are available at the surf club and near the public showers at Nambucca Heads Main Beach should they ever be required.
The expanded drone program has also been welcomed by the local surfing community.
Loggerheads Malibu Club President Barry Jageo told News Of The Area that the additional surveillance would provide greater confidence for surfers using local beaches.
“We run monthly log boarding competitions and an annual classic competition in July where hundreds of surfers attend,” Mr Jageo said.
“More measures such as drones have been announced by the state government giving us more confidence regarding safety.”
Despite the technological advances, the government acknowledged that no mitigation measure can completely eliminate the risk of shark interactions.
Premier Chris Minns said the investment was about improving safety while recognising that no system could guarantee there would never be another shark incident.
“We know people love getting out to our beaches, and they should feel confident doing it.
“While no one can ever promise no shark interactions, this investment is about putting more eyes in the sky so we can spot sharks earlier and give people a clear heads-up when they’re in the water.
“More drones in the air means we’re getting a better picture of what’s happening offshore and it means we’ll get better at seeing them.
“We’re backing practical technology that helps keep families, surfers and swimmers safer right across the coast.”
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the investment represented the most comprehensive aerial shark surveillance program ever undertaken in the state.
“NSW has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and we want people to enjoy them safely.
“This investment will deliver the most extensive aerial shark surveillance program we’ve ever had.
“We are significantly expanding drone coverage across Sydney and regional NSW, increasing the number of beaches monitored, extending operating hours and introducing new technology like AI, and these innovations will help extend drone coverage to more beaches at lower cost over time.
“While no measure can completely remove the risk of shark interactions, this program is about doing everything we can to reduce that risk and keep people safe in the water.
“This investment builds on the Minns Government’s commitment to a modern, science-based shark management program focused on early detection, innovation and education.”
Surf Life Saving NSW Chief Executive Officer Steve Pearce described the funding package as the largest commitment ever made to shark management in Australia.
“This package from the Minns Government is the largest ever funding commitment to shark management in Australia, and the largest uplift of funding to SLSNSW for the enhancement of coastal safety in NSW.
“This is an incredible investment in community safety, confidence and ensuring NSW has cutting edge technology and capacity to provide world class safety to NSW coastal users.
“The SLS NSW Shark UAV surveillance program has proven to be an extremely effective component of the NSW Shark Management Program, having this year alone identified and prevented over 2000 sharks interacting with swimmers and surfers, and conducting over 100,000 flights.
“Even with the greatest technology and expanded presence of drones, we cannot prevent all shark interactions, however this funding will allow the development of a safety program that will give the greatest opportunity to prevent these from occurring.”
By Mick BIRTLES
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